There’s no question that the Eagles want to leave last season in the past. To help do so Head Coach Shane Smith, in his first full season at the helm, has restructured the football program at Turlock Christian High, introducing new uniforms, a new summer conditioning regime, and a fresh attitude with an emphasis on high powered offensive production.

Technically, all TC needs to do to improve on last season’s record in win one game but their aim is much higher. With 6’6 senior quarterback Chase Gonzalez acting as the centerpiece of this season’s team, TC’s success will hinge on his supporting cast, most notable his offensive line and wide receivers.

Although the Eagles are small in numbers they boast considerable size with the average lineman standing 6’3 and 230lbs. Still, with only two seniors returning to the trenches, TC falls short in terms of experience. In fact, half of TC’s squad is either freshman or sophomores with many suiting up for their first season ever.

Thankfully, returners Nick Steeley and Thomas Sawyer will be there to help TC and Gonzales from the wide receiver position. They will be joined by four other receivers in a corp. that will rely on speed to move the ball down the field in Coach Smith’s new quick release system.

On defense, free safety Josh Glendenning will lead a new 4-2-5 scheme after missing all of last season. The rest of the defensive cast will include many of the same linemen from offense, providing a wall of body mass that should slow down the run.

The first few games will be critical for TC. It’s important for the Eagles to experience success early in the season in order to build enough confidence to carry them through the rest.